Scenic and Generous Tanay, Rizal

To get to the town of Tanay in the provice of Rizal, one may take the scenic but winding Manila East Road, past Antipolo, Taytay, Morong, Binangonan, Angono, all of which offering diverse and rich attractions to the intrepid rural explorer.

But Tanay offers a unique perspective of rural life, as you can touch base with a virtual universe of rural life just in one town, from the rustic lowlands of the Poblacion, to the fluvial shore of the Laguna de Bai, to the upland coolness of Barangay Sampaloc. First stop in any adventure trip is its parish church, in this case, the Parish Church of San Ildefonso, which is well known for its sculpted wood tableaus of the Stations of the Cross, where you can pray for a safe and fruitful journey. A sculpture of Our Lady of Guadalupe appearing to Juan Diego, carved out of a deceased acacia tree in the church patio will also surely catch your attention.

 

Just a few steps from shore is the original Kainan sa Tabing Lawa, which is as near to the shore of the Laguna de Bai as you would want to be while partaking of your lunch without getting your feet wet. My favorite fare here is their piniritong dalag (fried mudfish) and sinigang na kanduli sa miso (catfish in sour tamarind soup).

Head eastward through steep and winding Tanay-Sampaloc Road, and you can drop by famous Daranak and Batlag Falls, both of which to this day, offer a cool dip in clear river water despite their proximity to urbanization. Continue on and you’ll find more satisfaction for your (catholic) soul, as the lady of Regina Rica (Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia) overseen by the Dominican Sisters awaits for you atop the mountain road, which forms part of the local Sierra Madre mountain range. 

 

Tanay is also home to the scenic Daraitan River which is one more attraction this traveler still hopes to see.







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